Bangladesh, Aug. 12 -- The government's plan to open refined fuel imports and distribution to private companies has triggered concerns that control of the strategically important market could become concentrated in the hands of a few large business groups, prompting calls for greater transparency, consultation and regulatory safeguards.

The proposed policy would allow private companies to import, store, transport, distribute and market refined petroleum products.

While the government says the initiative is intended to strengthen supply security and curb black marketing, energy experts, economists and political parties have questioned the speed and transparency of the process.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mah...